Stan Wawrinka is in the third round of the Australian Open for the first time since then 2020.
of 40– The Swiss beat French qualifier Arthur Gea 4–6, 6–3, 3–6, 7–5, 7–6(3) in a four hour, 33-The minute match, becoming the oldest man to reach the third round in Melbourne since Ken Rosewall, who did so at 44 IN 1978.
Wawrinka, former world no. 3who won the first of his three Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open in 2014is set to retire at the end of 2026 the season.
His one-handed backhand was, as always, a thing of beauty.
Wawrinka finished with 63 winners and 11 aces, performing 69 unforced errors in a match determined by aggressive shots by both players.
When asked how he felt after the match, Wawrinka said: “Exhausted.”
Credit: AP
“As I told you, it’s the last Australian Open, so I’m trying to last as long as possible,” he said.
“I’m not young anymore, so I need your energy,” he told the crowd. “It’s a great feeling to be on this field and have so much amazing support.”
Next up for Wawrinka is world no. 9 American Taylor Fritz. The Swiss lead head to head 2–1.
One thing is certain: Wawrinka will once again bring one of the most beautiful single-handed tennis players to the Melbourne stage.
